Bringing Color to Literacy: How Engagement, Language, and Morphology Transform Reading Instruction

During this energizing EDVIEW360 episode, we welcome Michelle Sullivan—literacy coach, reading interventionist, and creator of The Colorful Classroom—for a conversation about what it truly takes to make evidence‑based literacy instruction engaging, meaningful, and human.

Drawing on more than a decade of experience supporting teachers and her signature COLORFUL philosophy, Sullivan shares how educators can bring both joy and rigor to the science of reading. She discusses why engagement is not an “extra,” how intentional use of language and design can deepen learning, and why morphology deserves a bigger place in everyday instruction. Sullivan also offers practical examples teachers can immediately use to help students connect with words, build knowledge, and feel successful as readers.

Listeners will hear Sullivan’s belief that literacy instruction should be vibrant, accessible, and rooted in research—and when educators blend the art and science of teaching, they create classrooms where every learner can thrive.

This conversation is perfect for teachers, literacy coaches, and leaders seeking to elevate instruction, strengthen student engagement, and bring more color—literally and figuratively—into their reading block.

What You Will Learn:

• How to bring joy and engagement back into literacy instruction using Sullivan’s COLORFUL approach to instruction along with her blend of creativity and evidence‑based practice
• Why language-rich classrooms accelerate reading growth, and how teachers can intentionally build vocabulary, background knowledge, and discourse into daily routines
• The power of morphology—and why teaching word parts helps all students, especially those who struggle, unlock meaning and confidence
• Practical ways to design lessons that are both structured and vibrant, ensuring students experience success while staying deeply engaged
• How to connect research to real classroom moments, making the science of reading feel doable, human, and energizing for teachers
• Strategies for supporting diverse learners through routines that honor students’ voices, build independence, and create a sense of belonging
• Why engagement is not an “extra” but a critical component of effective literacy instruction that strengthens attention, memory, and motivation